Blind faith (cont...)

The SWEP program is a six week work program for kids statewide between the ages of 16-20 who are blind or visually impaired. The program is centered on helping these young individuals develop work skills and gain exposure to future career interests. It is an opportunity for the kids to develop long-term friendships with their peers who also experience the world as blind individuals. SWEP kids have an opportunity to learn vital independent living skills such as safely and independently traveling on public transit, budgeting money, meal planning and preparation, time management, and ultimately getting a job.

Although they are focused on working all over the greater Portland Metro Area during the work week, the SWEP participants also experience incredible recreational opportunities around Oregon on the weekends. For people who are blind or visually impaired, recreational activities promote the development of social skills, mobility, independence, and community integration. Having access to recreational opportunities is empowering; it has such a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem.

One of the favored recreational activities has always been the deep sea fishing and camping trip in Pacific City. This year, the sixth year in Pacific City, was no exception. The students camped in Pacific City during the Dory Days festivities. They woke up at 5 AM, so they could get on the fishing boats and reel in the fish… or maybe get seasick. After they recovered from the motion sickness and the chilly ocean air, four students and an OCB staff person braved the waters once more for a surf lesson!

Patrick Taylor, 19, had his first experience surfing in Pacific City. He said, “The people who helped us did a great job showing us how to surf. It was my first experience, I really liked it. It was such a good feeling.”

Andrew Nantz, 20, said, “I will never forget that. It was a new experience. At first it was a little scary, but then it was so interesting and fun. Most blind people would probably never find themselves in the middle of the ocean surfing, and I am glad that I gave it a try. Surfing was the best! It was one of the best opportunities I think I ever got!” He punctuated the interview with, “The whole experience of SWEP this summer was truly memorable.”

The SWEP program is funded through federal RSA and ARRA money, state funding, and donations by members of the community. The Commission for the Blind is so grateful to everyone that participated to make this camping trip such a great experience! Special thanks to Gary Gregg for organizing the surfing activity for our SWEP students, Nancy Maxwell for photographing our surf session so we can always remember what a fun time we had and boast to our friends, Nick and friends at Moment Surf Company for donating surfing gear and expertise, Greg Englesby for excellent surf instruction, Stan Miller and friends at the Dorymen Association for an incredible fishing outing and the greatest fish fry EVER, and to all other community members that we crossed paths with in Pacific City!

SWEP students come to our Summer Work Experience Program and when they leave they know what it means to “work hard and play hard.”

For more information on the Oregon Commission for the Blind’s Summer Work Experience Program and other services, please visit http://www.oregon.gov/Blind/index.shtml or contact us at 1-888-202-5463 or ocbmail@state.or.us.

Special thanks to Doryman Terry Appleby for the idea, to Gaz and the other instructors for making it happen, and to Moment Surf for the boards and wetties! Photos by Greg Englesby.